ABSTRACT
After checking the levels of the microphones and repositioning the video camera, I mentioned to Mr. Zhāng Zhìkuān that, as soon as he was ready, we could begin videotaping him performing Kuaìbărshū (Fast Clappertales). Immediately, his chatty, off-camera demeanor changed to one of intense concentration as he positioned his two sets of clappers for performance (Figure 9.1). He wore a long, pale grey gown called a cháng paó, which signified to his audience that the content of the piece was “traditional” (pre 1949) rather than newly composed.
